A New Zealand-based wine producer, Foley Wines, has recently announced significant changes in its leadership structure. The company's chief executive officer and director, Mark Turnbull, will be stepping down from his roles. Turnbull officially resigned as a director earlier this month and plans to leave his CEO position by the end of April 2025. To ensure a smooth transition, Mike Higgins, who joined the company last December as CEO for Foley Hospitality, New Zealand, has been appointed as interim CEO effective immediately. This leadership change reflects the company's commitment to maintaining momentum and addressing the ongoing challenges within the New Zealand wine industry.

Turnbull's tenure at Foley Wines began in April 2012, shortly after he joined Foley Family Wines New Zealand. Following a merger with the New Zealand Wine Company, which was subsequently renamed Foley Wines, Turnbull assumed the dual role of CEO and director in September 2012. During his leadership, the company achieved substantial progress, including a notable 35% increase in export cases. Paul Brock, chairman of Foley Wines, expressed gratitude for Turnbull's contributions, highlighting the company's strengthened position under his guidance.

Reflecting on his time in the wine sector, Turnbull emphasized the complexity of the industry, particularly the unique challenges faced by vineyard owners. Despite these difficulties, he praised the farming community for their dedication to the land, environment, and local communities. Turnbull also took pride in the talented team that supported him throughout his journey, many of whom have been with the company since its early days.

Moving forward, Mike Higgins brings extensive experience in finance and operations to his new role. Prior to joining Foley, Higgins held various senior positions, including serving as the chief commercial officer for Auckland FC during its inaugural season and spending over two decades at Clemenger Group, where he oversaw multiple marketing and media agencies. His background in driving business growth is expected to bring significant value to Foley Wines. Chairman Paul Brock believes that Higgins' expertise will play a crucial role in leading the company's continued success.

The upcoming weeks will see Higgins working closely with Turnbull to ensure a seamless leadership transition. With the company's strong performance and dedicated team, Foley Wines is well-prepared to face future challenges and continue its upward trajectory in the competitive wine market.